CalHome Program

The CalHome Program partners with lenders to assist low-income, first-time homebuyers with buying a home in the City of Oakland. This program is currently taking reservations. You can subscribe for email updates.

Documents

About

Maximum Amount: Loan amounts are 30% of the purchase price, not to exceed $60,000.

Minimum Amount: N/A

Requirements

Eligible Applicants: Applicants must be first-time homebuyers. A first-time homebuyer is someone who has not owned their main residence during the last three years. Some exceptions may apply.

Location: Property must be located in the City of Oakland.

Eligible Properties: Any owner occupied or vacant single family dwelling, including condos, townhomes and live work units. Purchase price cannot exceed $875,000.

Income: Applicants' annual household income cannot exceed 80% of the Area Median Income. Income of all household members 18 years or older must be considered (includes house/roommates).

Occupancy: Single-Family Dwelling; Owner-Occupied only

Eligible Uses: Primary Residence

Other Requirements: Buyers must contribute 3% of the purchase price from their own funds to pay for down payment or closing costs. This program has no residency requirement or preference.

Loan Details

Interest Rate: 3.0% simple

Payments/ Term

No Monthly Payments

Due in 30 Years OR when the borrower sells, transfers, refinances the property (under certain conditions) or converts the home to rental property.

Prepayment Penalty: None

Security: Deed of Trust

How to Apply

Status: Funding is available. You can subscribe to email updates or call our Programs Information line.

Deadline: Funds are available on a first-come first-served basis. Please call or check the website periodically for status updates.

Process

Reserve space in an Education Workshop by calling 238-7486.

After getting a certificate from the workshop, apply through one of the participating lenders. (Applications are NOT made directly through the City.)

Application Approval Process for the First-Time Homebuyer CalHome Program

1. Attend a home buyer education workshop 2. Select a real estate agent. 3. Find a home. 4. Sign a purchase contract. 5. Complete the loan application with a participating lender by providing them a copy of the purchase contract. 6. Lender structures your financing package and reserves program funds. 7. City of Oakland commits funds to the transaction. Funds are committed on a first-come-first serve basis only after the buyer is in contract and eligible financing is structured. 8. Lender submits application to City of Oakland. 9. City of Oakland verifies eligibility and issues approval letter. 10. City coordinates loan closing and funding with first lender and escrow.

Application: N/A. See lender for application. *Area Median Income limits are revised annually.